| Demon (buffyverse) |
Article Index for Demon |
Website Links For Demon |
Information AboutDemon (buffyverse) |
In the fictional Buffyverse established by ''Buffy'' and ''Angel'' , a Demon is a kind of life form generally believed to be evil due to its lack of human soul. ORIGINS Many demon species are native to Earth, while others have originated from hell dimensions. Long before mankind the pure-breed demons, the most powerful among them are today known as Old Ones, ruled the earth with impunity, waging war against each other. But in time they lost their purchase on this reality. The way was made for mortal animals, for man. Some were "killed" (such as Illyria , though such creatures were feared for their ability to cheat death) while others escaped to other dimensions, and became unable or unwilling to return in their real forms. Among these fugitive demons was cabal known as The Wolf, The Ram And The Hart . Though earth was now under the rule of humanity, the Old Ones many left descendants and former servitors. These demons, far less powerful and smaller in size, were usually hybrids with humans and other mortal animals. How the process of hybridization was achieved (sexual, mystical or otherwise) is unknown. In any event, those half-breed species with human DNA retained the capability of breeding with humans. Demonic reproduction since the passing of the old ones is various and multifacited. Some speices, like Vampires and Wraithers infect humans (dead and living, respectively) to reproduce. Others breed through sexual intercourse. Others through asexual methods (such as budding). Still others species--well defined as "Half Breed Species"-- can produce another of their kind by having reproducing with a human. Still other creatures appear to be specifically "made" by another entity (magician, Old One, Power) for a purpose and do not reproduce. The demon evolution in other dimensions remains more mysterious. Some demon dimensions (such as Pylea) also have human population - how they appeared there is also a mystery - leading to the possibility of interbreeding in these dimensions just like in earth. One plausible explanation is that when the Old Ones and the other True Demons retreated to other dimensions they took many of their demonhybrid and human minions with them. Other dimensions appear to be home to large populations of demons without any visible human populations. Despite some species being humanoid in appereance, some demon races believe that they do not possess any trace of human DNA. An example of this are the demons that make up the ranks of the Scourge. SPECIES The number of demon species is extremely vast (over 160 have appeared on screen, with numerous other species and oindividuals having direct references), and so are their forms. While many demon species are humanoid, others have a much more animalistic appereance, while others lack any definite shape and appear to be almost ammorphous in shape. Many demons show mamalian or reptilian features, and others combine them. It also should be noted that there's an entire roster of demons who don't seem to belong to any species. METAPHYSICS Demons can best be defined as extra-dimensional life forms (as they are in Angel ), even though they were once (largely) native to this dimension. While it seems most are technically "evil" (whatever that means), the truth is more complex. Some demons are benign (e.g. Lorne and Clem ) and others are simply very large predators. While demons are often said to lack souls, this apparently means ''human'' souls and the conscience that goes with them; the complete soullessness of the Mok'tagar is said to be distinctive (e.g. Kathy Newman who appeareared in '' Living Conditions ''). SEE ALSO |
|
|